Chapter 60: Zhang Yongnian Argues with Yang Xiu; Pang Shiyuan Proposes Taking Western Shu
Chapter 60: Zhang Yongnian Refutes Yang Xiu; Pang Shiyuan Proposes Taking Western Shu
The man who proposed the plan to Liu Zhang was a Deputy Magistrate of Yi Province, surnamed Zhang, named Song, styled Yongnian. He was born with a forehead protruding like an iron spade, a pointed head, a sunken nose, protruding teeth, and a stature under five feet, yet his voice rang out as sonorous as a bronze bell. Liu Zhang asked, “What sagacious view does the Deputy Magistrate have to relieve the threat from Zhang Lu?” Zhang Song replied, “I have heard that Cao Cao in Xuchang has swept clean the Central Plains. Lü Bu, Yuan Shao, and Yuan Shu have all been eliminated by him; recently he defeated Ma Chao and is now invincible under heaven. My lord, prepare tribute gifts, and I will personally go to Xuchang to persuade Cao Cao to send troops to seize Hanzhong, thereby countering Zhang Lu. Then Zhang Lu will be too busy fending off the enemy to dare cast another glance at Shu!” Liu Zhang was overjoyed, gathered gold, silver, jewels, and brocade as tribute, and dispatched Zhang Song as envoy. Zhang Song then secretly drew a geographic map of Sichuan, concealed it, and took several attendants, setting out for Xuchang. Word of this was quickly reported to Jingzhou. Zhuge Liang then sent men into Xuchang to gather intelligence.
Now, Zhang Song arrived at the official hostel in Xuchang and lodged there. Each day he waited at the Chancellor’s residence, seeking an audience with Cao Cao. It happened that since returning from defeating Ma Chao, Cao Cao was complacent and arrogant, feasting daily and rarely going out on business; state affairs were all discussed at the Chancellor’s residence. Zhang Song waited three days before his name was announced. Cao Cao’s close attendants first demanded bribes before ushering him in. Cao Cao sat in the hall. After Zhang Song performed the bowing ceremony, Cao Cao asked, “Why has your master, Liu Zhang, failed to send tribute for years?” Zhang Song replied, “Because the roads are difficult, and bandits appear incessantly, making it impossible to deliver tribute.” Cao Cao scolded, “I have already cleared the Central Plains—where are the bandits now?” Zhang Song said, “In the south there is Sun Quan, in the north Zhang Lu, in the west Liu Bei; each commands at least a hundred thousand troops—how can this be called peace?”
Cao Cao, seeing Zhang Song’s ugly and wretched appearance, already felt five parts displeasure; hearing his blunt words, he flicked his sleeves, rose, and retired to the inner hall. Cao Cao’s attendants rebuked Zhang Song, “As an envoy, how can you be so ignorant of etiquette and recklessly offensive? Fortunately, the Chancellor, considering your long journey, did not hold it against you. Go back quickly!” Zhang Song laughed and said, “In our Shu, there are no sycophants.” Suddenly, someone from below the steps shouted loudly, “You have no sycophants in Shu—does that mean we in the Central Plains have sycophants?”
Zhang Song looked at this man: sparse eyebrows, narrow eyes, a fair complexion, and a clear demeanor. Upon asking his name, he learned it was Yang Xiu, styled Dezü, son of Grand Commandant Yang Biao, currently serving as the chief clerk in charge of the granary under the Chancellor. This man was erudite and talented, eloquent and insightful. Zhang Song knew Yang Xiu was a skilled debater and intended to challenge him. Yang Xiu, relying on his own talents, looked down on scholars under heaven. At that moment, seeing Zhang Song’s sarcastic remarks, he invited him to an outer study, where they took seats as host and guest. Yang Xiu said, “The roads of Shu are rugged—your long journey must have been arduous.” Zhang Song replied, “I am carrying out my lord’s command; even if it meant walking through fire or treading boiling water, I would not dare refuse.” Yang Xiu asked, “What are the customs and conditions in Shu like?” Zhang Song said, “Shu is a western commandery, anciently called Yi Province. Its roads feature the peril of the Brocade River, and its terrain connects the grandeur of Sword Pass. With winding paths of two hundred eighty leagues and a breadth of over thirty thousand square leagues, the sounds of cocks crowing and dogs barking can be heard from one another, and markets and lanes stretch without end. The land is fertile, with no worries of flood or drought year after year; the state is wealthy, the people prosperous, and the joys of pipe and string music are constant. Its products pile up like mountains. None under heaven can match it!”
Yang Xiu asked further, “What about the worthies of Shu?” Zhang Song said, “In letters, there is the poetic eloquence of Sima Xiangru; in arms, the talents of Ma Yuan; in medicine, the skills of Zhang Zhongjing; in divination, the reclusion of Yan Junping. Among the nine schools and three religions, outstanding figures are too numerous to count—how could I list them all?” Yang Xiu then asked, “Under the current Liu Zhang, how many like you are there?” Zhang Song replied, “Men of complete civil and martial ability, of wisdom and courage, of loyalty and generosity—there are hundreds on the move. For someone as unworthy as I, you could measure them by the cartload and count them by the peck, and still never finish.” Yang Xiu asked, “What office do you currently hold?” Zhang Song said, “I barely serve as Deputy Magistrate, a post for which I am utterly unqualified. May I presume to ask what office you hold at court?” Yang Xiu said, “I am currently chief clerk in the Chancellor’s residence.” Zhang Song said, “I have long heard that your family has served as officials for generations—why do you not serve the Son of Heaven at court, but only hold a minor post in the Chancellor’s office?”
Upon hearing this, Yang Xiu’s face flushed with shame, but he forced a smile and replied, “Though I hold a lowly position, the Chancellor entrusts me with heavy responsibilities over military, civil, and financial affairs. Morning and night, I receive much instruction from the Chancellor, which greatly enlightens me—thus I hold this post.” Zhang Song laughed and said, “I have heard that Chancellor Cao understands neither the way of Confucius and Mencius in letters nor the strategies of Sun and Wu in arms, and devotes himself solely to tyranny and power to seize high office—how can he offer any instruction to enlighten you?” Yang Xiu said, “You live in a remote region—how can you know the Chancellor’s great talent? Let me show you.” He ordered an attendant to bring a scroll from a chest and handed it to Zhang Song. Zhang Song looked at the title: Mengde’s New Book. He read it from beginning to end—thirteen chapters, all essential principles of military strategy.
After reading, Zhang Song asked, “What book do you think this is?” Yang Xiu said, “This is the Chancellor’s work, weighing past and present, imitating Sunzi’s thirteen chapters. You insult the Chancellor as untalented—can this book not be passed down to posterity?” Zhang Song laughed heartily and said, “This book—even a child three feet tall in our Shu can recite it from memory. How can it be called a ‘new book’? It was written by an anonymous author in the Warring States period; Chancellor Cao stole it to claim as his own talent—it can only fool you!” Yang Xiu said, “The Chancellor keeps this book secretly compiled—it has not yet been circulated in the world. You say Shu children can recite it fluently—how can you deceive me like this?” Zhang Song said, “If you do not believe me, I shall try reciting it.” Then, from beginning to end, he declaimed Mengde’s New Book aloud, without a single character’s error. Yang Xiu was greatly astonished and said, “You can remember it after one glance—truly a genius under heaven!” Someone later wrote a poem:
Strange in form and different in frame,
Pure and lofty, spare in feature.
Words pour like the waters of Three Gorges,
Eyes scan ten lines at a glance.
His boldness leads Western Shu,
His writings pierce the vast void.
A hundred schools and all philosophers—
One look, and nothing remains.
At that time, Zhang Song was about to take his leave. Yang Xiu said, “You should stay a while at the hostel. Let me report again to the Chancellor, so that you may have an audience with the Son of Heaven.” Zhang Song thanked him and withdrew. Yang Xiu went in to see Cao Cao and said, “Why did the Chancellor treat Zhang Song so coldly just now?” Cao Cao replied, “He spoke insolently, so I treated him coldly.” Yang Xiu said, “The Chancellor can tolerate even a Mi Heng—why not accept Zhang Song?” Cao Cao said, “Mi Heng’s writings are renowned in the world today, so I could bear to spare him. What talent does Zhang Song have?” Yang Xiu said, “Not to mention that his eloquence flows like a river and his argumentation is flawless—just now I showed him the Mengde’s New Book you wrote. After one reading, he could memorize it from memory and recite it. Such a broad memory and quick mind are rare in the world. Zhang Song said this book was written by an anonymous author in the Warring States period, and that children in Shu can all recite it by heart.” Cao Cao said, “Could it be that the ancients coincidentally agreed with me?” He ordered the book torn up and burned. Yang Xiu said, “This man should be allowed an audience with the Son of Heaven, to let him witness the grandeur of the Celestial Court.” Cao Cao said, “Tomorrow I will review the troops at the Western Training Ground. You may bring him first to let him see the strength of my army, and let him return to spread word: I will take the land south of the River within days, and then come to take Western Sichuan.” Yang Xiu received the order.
The next day, he went with Zhang Song to the Western Training Ground. Cao Cao mustered fifty thousand Tiger Guard elite troops and deployed them in the training ground. Truly, their armor and helmets were gleaming, their robes and garments resplendent; the sound of golden drums shook the heavens, and the spears and halberds glittered in the sunlight. In all directions, the ranks were drawn up separately; banners and pennants fluttered in brilliant colors, men and horses pranced in the air. Zhang Song looked at them with a sidelong glance. After a long while, Cao Cao called Zhang Song and pointed to his troops, saying, "Have you ever seen such heroic men in your land of Shu?" Zhang Song replied, "We in Shu have never seen such troops; we only govern the people with benevolence and righteousness." Cao Cao's face changed color as he glared at him. Zhang Song showed not the slightest fear, and Yang Xiu repeatedly signaled to him with his eyes. Cao Cao said to Zhang Song, "I regard the rats of this world like mere weeds. Wherever my armies go, they are invincible in battle and capture every target. Those who obey me live; those who defy me die. Do you understand?" Zhang Song said, "That wherever Your Excellency the Prime Minister drives his troops, they are victorious in battle and capture every target, I have long known. In the past, at Puyang you attacked Lü Bu; on the day you fought Zhang Xiu at Wancheng; at Red Cliffs you encountered Zhou Yu; at Huarong Trail you ran into Guan Yu; at Tong Pass you cut your beard and abandoned your robe; at Weishui you seized a boat to avoid arrows—these are all examples of your peerlessness under heaven!" Cao Cao flew into a rage and said, "How dare this petty fellow expose my shortcomings!" He ordered the attendants to drag him out and behead him. Yang Xiu remonstrated, saying, "Though Zhang Song deserves death, he came as a tribute envoy from the Shu road. If you kill him, I fear it will lose the hearts of men from distant lands." Cao Cao's anger did not subside. Xun Yu also came to remonstrate, and only then did Cao Cao spare Zhang Song from execution, ordering him to be beaten with clubs and driven out.
Zhang Song returned to his lodging, left the city that very night, packed his belongings, and set out back to Sichuan. Zhang Song thought to himself, "I had intended to offer the counties of Western Sichuan to Cao Cao—who would have thought he would treat me so disdainfully! When I came, I boasted before Liu Zhang; now, returning dejected and empty-handed, I will surely be ridiculed by the people of Shu. I have long heard that Liu Xuande of Jingzhou is widely known for his benevolence and righteousness. I might as well take that road on my way back and see what kind of man he is. I will then decide what to do." So he rode with his attendants toward the borders of Jingzhou. When he reached the boundary of Yingzhou, he suddenly saw a body of troops, about five hundred cavalry. At their head was a great general, lightly clad and plainly dressed, who reined in his horse and came forward, asking, "Is the visitor not Biejia Zhang?" Zhang Song replied, "It is I." The general hastily dismounted, bowed, and said, "Zhao Yun has been waiting for a long time." Zhang Song dismounted, returned the bow, and asked, "Could you be Zhao Zilong of Changshan?" Zhao Yun said, "I am indeed. I have been ordered by my lord, Liu Xuande, because you, Excellency, have traveled far and endured the toil of the saddle; he specially commanded me to present some wine and food."
Having spoken, the soldiers knelt and offered wine and food, which Zhao Yun respectfully presented. Zhang Song thought privately, "People all say Liu Xuande is magnanimous, benevolent, and treats able men with courtesy—now I see it is truly so." So he drank a few cups with Zhao Yun, mounted his horse, and they rode together. When they reached the borders of Jingzhou, as dusk fell, they arrived at a post station. Before the station gate, over a hundred men were standing in attendance, beating drums to welcome him. A general bowed before his horse and said, "By order of my elder brother, because you, Excellency, have traveled far and endured wind and dust, Guan Yu has swept and cleaned the station courtyard, awaiting your rest." Zhang Song dismounted and entered the station with Guan Yunchang and Zhao Yun. They exchanged bows and took their seats. Shortly, food and wine were laid out, and the two generals pressed him to drink with great hospitality. They drank until the night was deep and still, then the feast was cleared, and he stayed the night.
The next day, after breakfast, he mounted his horse and had ridden no more than three or five li when he saw a troop of men approaching. It was Liu Xuande, accompanied by Wolong and Fengchu, coming in person to welcome him. Spotting Zhang Song from afar, Xuande had already dismounted to wait. Zhang Song also hurriedly dismounted to greet him. Xuande said, "I have long heard of your Excellency's great fame—it thunders in my ears. I only regret that the mountains and clouds are far apart, preventing me from receiving your instruction. Now, hearing that you are returning to your capital, I have made a special journey to welcome you. If you would not disdain me, may I beg you to rest a while in my humble province, to satisfy my thirst for your counsel? It would be my great fortune!" Zhang Song was overjoyed, so they mounted and rode side by side into the city. At the main hall, they exchanged bows, took their seats as host and guest, and a banquet was laid out.
During the drinking, Xuande spoke only of idle matters and did not bring up the affairs of Western Sichuan. Zhang Song probed him with words, saying, "Now that you, Imperial Uncle, guard Jingzhou, how many commanderies does it include?" Kongming said, "Jingzhou is temporarily borrowed from Eastern Wu, and they often send men to demand its return. Now, because my lord is the son-in-law of Eastern Wu, he is temporarily settled here." Zhang Song said, "Eastern Wu holds six commanderies and eighty-one counties. Their people are strong and their state wealthy—are they still not content?" Pang Tong said, "My lord is an Imperial Uncle of the Han dynasty, yet he cannot hold even one commandery or county. All the others are pests of Han, yet they rely on force to usurp territory. Only the wise find this unjust." Xuande said, "You two, say no more. What virtue have I, that I should dare to covet more?" Zhang Song said, "Not so, Illustrious Lord. You are a scion of the Han imperial house, and your benevolence and righteousness fill the four seas. Let alone occupying a commandery or county—even taking the rightful succession and dwelling on the throne would not be excessive." Xuande clasped his hands and declined, saying, "Your words overpraise me. How dare I presume?"
From then on, Xuande kept Zhang Song feasting for three days, never once mentioning affairs in Sichuan. When Zhang Song took his leave to depart, Xuande set up a farewell feast at the Pavilion. Xuande raised his cup and toasted Zhang Song, saying, "I am deeply grateful that you, Excellency, did not disdain me and stayed to converse for three days. Now we part—I know not when I will again hear your instruction." Having spoken, tears streamed down his face. Zhang Song thought privately, "Xuande is so magnanimous, benevolent, and courteous to able men—how could I abandon him? Better to urge him to seize Western Sichuan." So he said, "I too long to serve at your side day and night, but I only regret the lack of an opportunity. As I see it, Jingzhou has Sun Quan to the east, who always harbors tiger-like ambitions, and Cao Cao to the north, who constantly schemes to swallow it whole—it is no place for a lasting stay." Xuande said, "I know this well, but I have no place to settle." Zhang Song said, "Yizhou is strategically dangerous and secluded, with a thousand li of fertile land, abundant people, and a wealthy state. Men of wisdom and talent have long admired your virtue, Imperial Uncle. If you raise the forces of Jingzhou and Xiangyang and march westward, your hegemony can be achieved, and the Han dynasty can be restored." Xuande said, "How dare I presume? Liu Yizhou is also a scion of the imperial house, and his grace has spread over Shu for a long time. How could another shake him?"
Zhang Song said, "I am not selling out my lord for personal gain. Now that I have met you, Illustrious Lord, I dare not hold back my heart and liver. Liu Jiyu, though he holds the land of Yizhou, is by nature dull and weak, unable to employ the worthy and able. Moreover, with Zhang Lu in the north, constantly plotting invasion, the people's hearts are scattered, and they long for an enlightened ruler. On this journey, I had originally intended to submit to Cao Cao, but who would have thought that villain would indulge his arrogance and treat able men with contempt? Therefore, I came especially to see you, Illustrious Lord. If you first take Western Sichuan as your foundation, then march north to plot Hanzhong, seize the Central Plains, and restore the court, your name will go down in history, and no achievement could be greater. If you, Illustrious Lord, truly have the intention to take Western Sichuan, I am willing to render the service of a dog or horse and act as your inside agent. I know not what you think of this?" Xuande said, "I am profoundly grateful for your generous intent. But Liu Jiyu and I are of the same clan. If I attack him, I fear I will be reviled by all under heaven." Zhang Song said, "A true man in this world should strive to establish merit and seize the initiative. If you do not take it now, another will, and regret will be too late." Xuande said, "I have heard that the Shu roads are rugged, with a thousand mountains and ten thousand streams. Carts cannot travel side by side, nor horses ride abreast. Though I wish to take it, what good plan can I use?"
Zhang Song drew a map from his sleeve and handed it to Xuande, saying, "Deeply moved by your Illustrious Lord's abundant virtue, I dare to present this map. Just look at this map, and you will know the roads of Shu." Xuande unfolded it slightly and saw that it was filled with the geography and routes—the distances, widths, strategic mountains and rivers, and the treasuries and grain stores—all recorded clearly. Zhang Song said, "Illustrious Lord, you may hasten to plan this matter. I have two trusted friends: Fa Zheng and Meng Da. These two will surely be able to assist you. When they arrive in Jingzhou, you can discuss your intentions with them." Xuande clasped his hands and declined, saying, "The green hills never grow old, and the green waters flow forever. If the day comes when this matter succeeds, I will surely repay you generously." Zhang Song said, "I have met an enlightened lord, and I cannot but tell you everything. How dare I hope for reward?" Having spoken, he took his leave. Kongming ordered Yunchang and others to escort him for several dozen li before returning.
Zhang Song returned to Yizhou and first visited his friend Fa Zheng. Fa Zheng, styled Xiaozhi, was from Youfufeng Commandery and the son of the worthy scholar Fa Zhen. When Zhang Song saw Fa Zheng, he recounted in detail: "Cao Cao despises the worthy and scorns the learned; he can only be shared in times of trouble, not in times of ease. I have already promised Yizhou to Imperial Uncle Liu. I particularly wish to discuss this with you, brother." Fa Zheng said: "I have long judged Liu Zhang to be incompetent, and I have long had the intention to submit to Imperial Uncle Liu. Our hearts are the same—what is there to doubt?" After a short while, Meng Da arrived. Meng Da, styled Ziqing, was a fellow townsman of Fa Zheng. When Meng Da entered and saw Fa Zheng and Zhang Song in secret conversation, he said: "I already know what you two intend. Is it to offer up Yizhou?" Zhang Song said: "Exactly so. Brother, guess to whom it should be offered?" Meng Da said: "It must be none other than Liu Xuande." The three clapped their hands and laughed heartily. Fa Zheng said to Zhang Song: "Brother, when you see Liu Zhang tomorrow, what should you say?" Zhang Song said: "I will recommend you two as envoys, to go to Jingzhou." The two agreed.
The next day, Zhang Song saw Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang asked: "How did matters go?" Zhang Song said: "Cao Cao is a traitor to Han; he plots to usurp the realm, so nothing can be said to him. He already has the intention to take Sichuan." Liu Zhang said: "Then what is to be done?" Zhang Song said: "I have a plan that will ensure Zhang Lu and Cao Cao dare not lightly invade Western Sichuan." Liu Zhang said: "What plan?" Zhang Song said: "Imperial Uncle Liu of Jingzhou is of the same clan as you, my lord. He is benevolent, generous, and magnanimous, with the demeanor of a true elder. After the great battle at Red Cliffs, Cao Cao trembles at his name—how much more so Zhang Lu? Why does my lord not send an envoy to establish good relations and make him an external ally? This can fend off both Cao Cao and Zhang Lu." Liu Zhang said: "I have also had this intention for a long time. Who can serve as envoy?" Zhang Song said: "None other than Fa Zheng and Meng Da can go." Liu Zhang immediately summoned the two, wrote a letter, and ordered Fa Zheng to go as envoy to first establish friendly relations; then he sent Meng Da to lead five thousand elite troops to welcome Xuande into Sichuan as reinforcement.
Just as they were deliberating, a man suddenly burst in from outside, his face streaming with sweat, and cried out loudly: "If my lord heeds Zhang Song's words, then the forty-one commanderies and counties will already belong to someone else!" Zhang Song was greatly startled. He looked at the man—it was Huang Quan, styled Gongheng, a native of Langzhong in Western Ba, currently serving as Registrar under Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang asked: "Xuande and I are of the same clan; I am befriending him as an ally. Why do you speak such words?" Huang Quan said: "I have long known that Liu Bei treats men generously and with gentleness overcomes strength; no hero can withstand him. At a distance he wins men's hearts, and nearby he gains the people's hope. Moreover, he has the wisdom of Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong, and the wings of Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan. If you summon him to Shu and treat him as a subordinate, how can Liu Bei be willing to humble himself? If you treat him as a guest, yet a state cannot have two lords. If you heed my words now, then Western Shu will be as secure as Mount Tai; if you do not heed me, then my lord will be in peril like a stack of eggs. Zhang Song passed through Jingzhou yesterday and must have conspired with Liu Bei. You should first execute Zhang Song, then cut off all dealings with Liu Bei, and Western Sichuan will be fortunate indeed." Liu Zhang said: "When Cao Cao and Zhang Lu come, what shall I use to resist them?" Huang Quan said: "Better to seal the borders, close the passes, deepen the moats, and build high ramparts to await the time when things settle." Liu Zhang said: "When rebel troops invade the borders, the urgency is like fire singeing the eyebrows; to await the time when things settle is a dilatory strategy." So he did not heed his words and sent Fa Zheng on his way.
Another man stepped forward to stop him, saying: "No! No!" Liu Zhang looked at him—it was Wang Lei, an Attendant Officer of the tent. Wang Lei kowtowed and said: "My lord, by trusting Zhang Song's words now, you bring disaster upon yourself." Liu Zhang said: "Wrong. I am befriending Liu Xuande solely to resist Zhang Lu." Wang Lei said: "Zhang Lu's invasion of the border is a minor ailment like scabies; Liu Bei's entry into Western Sichuan is a mortal threat to the heart and vitals. Moreover, Liu Bei is a fierce competitor of the age. Formerly he served Cao Cao and plotted to harm him; later he followed Sun Quan and seized Jingzhou. With such a heart, how can he be shared a realm with? If you summon him now, Western Sichuan is finished!" Liu Zhang rebuked him, saying: "Do not speak rashly again! Xuande is of my clan; how could he seize my patrimony?" He then had both men escorted out. Thereupon he ordered Fa Zheng to set out immediately. Fa Zheng left Yizhou and went straight to Jingzhou to see Xuande. After performing the ceremonial bows, he presented the letter. Xuande opened the seal and read it. The letter said:
"Your clansman Liu Zhang, bowing again, sends this letter to the command of my elder clansman, General Xuande: Long have I admired your thunderous might. The roads of Shu are rugged, and I have been unable to send tribute, for which I am deeply fearful and ashamed. Zhang has heard that 'in good fortune and ill, men aid each other; in distress and peril, they support one another.' Even friends do this—how much more so clansmen? Now Zhang Lu is in the north, raising troops morning and night to invade Zhang's borders, causing great unrest. I have specially sent a man to respectfully present this letter, humbly begging you to listen. If you will consider the bonds of clan and fulfill the obligations of brotherhood, then raise an army at once to annihilate this mad bandit, and we shall forever be allies like lips and teeth. Naturally there will be generous recompense. This letter cannot express all I wish to say; I await your carriage's arrival."
When Xuande finished reading, he was overjoyed and held a banquet for Fa Zheng. After several rounds of wine, Xuande dismissed his attendants and said secretly to Fa Zheng: "I have long admired Xiaozhi's brilliance. Biejia Zhang has repeatedly praised your great virtue. Now to receive your instruction is a great comfort to my life." Fa Zheng thanked him and said: "I am but a petty clerk in Shu—hardly worth mentioning. I have heard that a horse neighs when it meets Bole, and a man dies for one who knows him. As for Biejia Zhang's earlier words, does the general still have any intention?" Xuande said: "Bei lives as a guest in a borrowed land, and has often sighed in sorrow. I have thought that even the wren still has one branch, and the cunning hare three burrows—how much more so a man? Shu is a land of abundance; it is not that I do not wish to take it. But I cannot bear to scheme against Liu Jiyu, for he is of my clan." Fa Zheng said: "Yizhou is a land of natural abundance, but it cannot be held except by one who brings order out of chaos. Now Liu Jiyu cannot employ worthy men, and this patrimony will soon belong to another. Today he offers it to you himself—do not miss this opportunity. Have you not heard the saying, 'He who chases the hare gets it first'? If the general wishes to take it, I will devote my strength to death." Xuande cupped his hands and thanked him, saying: "Let me still consider it."
That day the banquet ended, and Kongming personally escorted Fa Zheng back to his lodging. Xuande sat alone in thought. Pang Tong entered and said: "He who ought to decide but does not is a fool. My lord, you are wise—why such hesitation?" Xuande asked: "In your opinion, what should be done?" Pang Tong said: "To the east of Jingzhou is Sun Quan, and to the north is Cao Cao—it is difficult to achieve your ambition there. Yizhou has a million households and is vast in land and rich in resources—it can support a great enterprise. Now fortunately Zhang Song and Fa Zheng are serving as internal aids—this is a gift from Heaven. Why hesitate?"
Xuande said: "Now the man with whom I am locked in conflict, like fire and water, is Cao Cao. Cao Cao is harsh; I am lenient. Cao Cao is violent; I am benevolent. Cao Cao is deceitful; I am loyal. Whenever I act contrary to Cao Cao, things succeed. If I were to lose great righteousness in the world for petty gain, I would not do such a thing." Pang Tong laughed and said: "My lord's words accord with Heavenly principles, but unfortunately in times of chaos and upheaval, when using troops to contend for supremacy, the methods are not fixed. If you cling to ordinary principles, you will not advance a single step. You must adapt to circumstances through expediency. Moreover, annexing the weak and attacking the benighted, taking by force and governing by righteousness, is the way of Tang of Shang and King Wu of Zhou. Once affairs are settled, you can repay him with righteousness by enfeoffing him with a large state—how would that betray trust and honor? If you do not take it today, it will eventually be taken by another. My lord, please think deeply." Xuande then suddenly understood and said: "These are words of gold and jade; I shall engrave them on my heart." He then invited Kongming to come and discuss raising an army to march west. Kongming said: "Jingzhou is a critical place; troops must be divided to guard it." Xuande said: "I will go to Western Sichuan with Pang Shiyuan, Huang Zhong, and Wei Yan. Military Advisor, you may guard Jingzhou with Guan Yunchang, Zhang Yide, and Zhao Zilong." Kongming agreed. So Kongming took overall command of Jingzhou; Guan Yu defended the key routes to Xiangyang and held the Qingni Pass; Zhang Fei patrolled the river with the four commanderies; Zhao Yun garrisoned Jiangling and guarded Gong'an. Xuande ordered Huang Zhong to be the vanguard and Wei Yan the rear guard. Xuande himself, with Liu Feng and Guan Ping in the central army, and Pang Tong as military advisor, led fifty thousand horse and foot soldiers and set out westward.
On the eve of departure, suddenly Liao Hua led an army to surrender. Xuande then ordered Liao Hua to assist Yunchang in resisting Cao Cao. That winter month, he led his troops westward toward Shu. After traveling only a few stages, Meng Da came forward to greet him, bowed before Xuande, and said that Liu Yizhou had commanded him to lead five thousand troops from afar to welcome him. Xuande sent someone into Yizhou to first report to Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang then issued a notice to all prefectures and counties along the route, supplying provisions and funds. Liu Zhang wished to personally go to Fucheng to welcome Xuande, so he ordered the preparation of carriages, canopies, banners, and armor, ensuring they were all bright and new. Chief Clerk Huang Quan entered to remonstrate, saying, “My lord, if you go this time, you will surely be harmed by Liu Bei. I have eaten your salary for many years and cannot bear to see you fall into another’s scheme; I beg you to think thrice.” Zhang Song said, “Huang Quan’s words alienate the affection of kin and increase the arrogance of bandits; they are truly of no benefit to my lord.” Liu Zhang then rebuked Huang Quan, saying, “My mind is already set; why do you oppose me!” Huang Quan knocked his head until it bled, stepped forward, and seized Liu Zhang’s garment with his mouth to remonstrate. Liu Zhang was furious, tore his robe, and stood up. Huang Quan would not let go, and instantly two front teeth were knocked out. Liu Zhang shouted for his attendants to push Huang Quan out; Huang Quan left, weeping bitterly.
As Liu Zhang was about to depart, a man cried out, “My lord, will you not accept Huang Gongheng’s loyal advice and instead walk toward death?” He prostrated himself at the steps to remonstrate. Liu Zhang looked at him; he was from Jianning Yuyuan, surnamed Li, named Hui. Knocking his head, he remonstrated, saying, “I have heard, ‘A ruler has remonstrating ministers, a father has remonstrating sons.’ Huang Gongheng’s loyal and righteous words must be heeded. If you allow Liu Bei to enter Western Shu, it is like welcoming a tiger into the gate.” Liu Zhang said, “Xuande is my clan brother; how could he harm me? Whoever speaks further will be beheaded!” He shouted for his attendants to push Li Hui out. Zhang Song said, “Now the civil officials in Shu each care for their wives and children, no longer serving my lord; the generals, relying on their merits, are arrogant and proud, each with other intentions; without obtaining Imperial Uncle Liu, then with enemies attacking from outside and the people rebelling within, it will surely be a path to ruin.” Liu Zhang said, “Your plans are greatly beneficial to me.”
The next day, he mounted his horse and went out through Yuqiao Gate. Someone reported, “Attendant Wang Lei has hung himself upside down from the city gate with a rope, holding a remonstrance document in one hand and a sword in the other, saying that if his advice is not heeded, he will cut the rope himself and dash himself to death here.” Liu Zhang ordered someone to take the remonstrance document and read it. The document roughly said:
“Your subject, Wang Lei, Attendant of Yizhou, weeping tears of blood and knocking his head: I have heard, ‘Good medicine tastes bitter but benefits the illness; loyal words offend the ear but benefit conduct.’ In former times, King Huai of Chu did not listen to Qu Yuan’s words, met at Wuguan, and was trapped by Qin. Now, my lord lightly leaves the great commandery to go to Fucheng to welcome Liu Bei; I fear there is a path to go but no path to return. If you can behead Zhang Song in the marketplace and break off the pact with Liu Bei, then the old and young in Shu will be fortunate, and my lord’s foundation will also be fortunate!”
Liu Zhang, having read it, was furious and said, “I am meeting a man of benevolence and virtue, as if approaching fragrant orchids; why do you repeatedly insult me!” Wang Lei gave a great shout, cut the rope himself, and dashed himself to death on the ground. Later, someone wrote a poem in lament:
Upside down at the city gate, holding a remonstrance scroll,
He gave his life to repay Liu Zhang.
Huang Quan broke his teeth but ultimately surrendered to Liu Bei;
Who could match Wang Lei’s steadfast integrity!
Upside down at the city gate, holding a remonstrance scroll,
He gave his life to repay Liu Zhang.
Huang Quan broke his teeth but ultimately surrendered to Liu Bei;
Who could match Wang Lei’s steadfast integrity!
Liu Zhang led thirty thousand troops toward Fucheng. The rear army loaded with materials, provisions, money, and silk, over a thousand carts, came to receive Xuande. Now, Xuande’s forward army had already reached Shuju; wherever they went, on one side, supplies came from Western Shu; on the other, Xuande’s orders were strict—anyone who dared take a single item from the people was beheaded. Thus, wherever they passed, there was not the slightest disturbance. The people, supporting the old and leading the young, filled the roads to watch, burning incense and bowing in reverence. Xuande comforted them all with kind words.
Now, Fa Zheng secretly said to Pang Tong, “Recently, Zhang Song sent a secret letter here, saying that when you meet Liu Zhang at Fucheng, you can plot against him. The opportunity must not be missed.” Pang Tong said, “Do not speak of this intention for now. Wait until the two Lius meet, then seize the opportunity to plot. If word leaks out beforehand, there will be trouble in between.” Fa Zheng then kept it secret. Fucheng was three hundred and sixty li from Chengdu. Liu Zhang had already arrived and sent someone to welcome Xuande. Both armies camped on the Fu River. Xuande entered the city, met Liu Zhang, and each recounted their brotherly affection. After the ceremonies were completed, they wept as they poured out their heartfelt feelings.
After the feast ended, each returned to his own camp to rest. Liu Zhang said to his officials, “It is ridiculous that Huang Quan, Wang Lei, and the like did not understand my clan brother’s intentions and made wild suspicions. Today, when I saw him, he is truly a benevolent man. With him as my external support, why need I worry about Cao Cao and Zhang Lu? If not for Zhang Song, I would have lost him.” So he took off his own green robe, added five hundred taels of gold, and sent someone to Chengdu to bestow them on Zhang Song. At this time, his subordinate generals and officials—Liu Gui, Leng Bao, Zhang Ren, Deng Xian, and others, a group of civil and military officers—said, “My lord, do not be too pleased. Liu Bei is soft on the outside but hard within; his heart is unpredictable. It is still advisable to be on guard.” Liu Zhang laughed and said, “You are all overthinking. Would my elder brother have any second thoughts?” Everyone sighed and withdrew.
Now, Xuande returned to his camp. Pang Tong entered to pay his respects and said, “My lord, today at the banquet, did you observe Liu Jiyu’s demeanor?” Xuande said, “Jiyu is truly an honest man.” Pang Tong said, “Though Jiyu is kind, his ministers Liu Gui, Zhang Ren, and others all had discontented expressions. The auspiciousness or misfortune in this cannot yet be certain. In my opinion, it would be better to hold a banquet tomorrow, invite Jiyu to attend; hide a hundred axemen in the wall niches; when my lord throws down his cup as a signal, kill him at the feast; then surge into Chengdu, without the swords leaving their sheaths or the bows being strung, and settle it while sitting.” Xuande said, “Jiyu is of my clan and treats me sincerely. Moreover, I have only just arrived in Shu; favor and trust are not yet established. If I do such a thing, heaven will not tolerate it, and the people below will resent it. Your plan, even a hegemon would not carry it out.” Pang Tong said, “This is not my plan; it is Fa Xiaozhi’s, who received a secret letter from Zhang Song saying that the matter should not be delayed—it should be plotted sooner or later.”
Before he finished speaking, Fa Zheng entered to pay his respects and said, “We do this not for ourselves, but to follow Heaven’s mandate.” Xuande said, “Liu Jiyu is of my clan; I cannot bear to seize his land.” Fa Zheng said, “My lord, you are mistaken. If not for this, Zhang Lu, having a blood feud with Shu over his mother, will surely attack. My lord has traveled far over mountains and rivers, driven his troops and horses, and reached this place. Advancing brings merit; retreating brings no benefit. If you harbor hesitation and delay for many days, it will be a great mistake. Moreover, I fear that if the plan leaks out, you may be plotted against by others. It would be better to seize this opportunity given by heaven and welcomed by men’s hearts, take them by surprise, and establish your foundation early. This is truly the best strategy.” Pang Tong also repeatedly urged him. Just then:
In life, how often can one preserve true kindness?
A talented minister devotes his mind to stratagems.
In life, how often can one preserve true kindness?
A talented minister devotes his mind to stratagems.
We do not know what Xuande thought in his heart; let the next chapter explain.